Raising Golfers Podcast

Matt Reagan and Ryan Dailey are the Co-Founders of Operation 36 and their coaching program has taken storm across the world introducing golf in a whole new way! The Operation 36 model is the most effective road-map for beginner golfers to have fun becoming a skilled golfer. Their new book, How to Create a Junior Golfer, is a must buy for parents of junior golfers. In this episode we discuss How to Create a Junior Golfer, making it a true, lifelong sport for you and your family!   Show Links:  - Purchase "How to Create a Junior Golfer" - Operation 36 Developmental Golf Program  

Episode 100! This is a bit of review of how this all started and some great quotes from guests for us all to live by! Thank you so much for tuning in over the last two years!

This episode is about research and findings from Gabriele Wulf's book Attention and Motor Skill Learning and how this backs up the idea of teaching lightly in some of the research provided in this episode. It also talks about how too much attention to ones movement can effect performance in a negative way. You will really like this episode and I know you will be able to take away things to help your junior golfer out!

Have you seen your junior golfer regularly upset during or after a round of golf? They only have two options, perfect or failure when it comes to their own feedback? In this episode I am going to talk about some ideas I have to help in this area for all of us, juniors, parents and coaches. 

We want golf to continue to be exciting and fun for junior golfers. The more ideas and variability we can add to their practices, play and overall experience the longer we can keep them engaged in the game! 

What we say has a big impact on children's development and for junior golf, it is the same! In this episode I am going to talk about some phrases I like to use when speaking to junior golfers to continue to encourage them along this fun journey. 

How to educate and teach children is a delicate art and teaching them golf is the same. In this episode I talk about the importance of teaching lightly to children so that they stay interested, engaged, develop and stick with the game for a lifetime! 

Wonder what Legos and golf have in common? This episode is going to talking about taking the right steps to boost the creativity out of your junior golfer!

It is that time of year to get your golf on this summer! We hope you have golf plans throughout the summer and make the best of your time out of school!

In this episode, Travis Howser talks about what the true fundamentals of golf really should be!

Results, results, results. This is what the junior golfer wants, and arguably what us adults want as well. But is it the most important thing? At the time, it may seem that way, but lets remember, we want to be raising good people. In this episode I will discuss what I feel are some important areas we would be preaching to junior golfers. 

It is tough to watch your junior golfer struggle to bounce back mentally and emotionally after a poor hole or round of golf. In this episode I talk about a few ideas on how to help junior golfers better understand the importance of mistakes and failures and how to help them out. 

Travis Howser talks about the importance of playing golf as a whole family! I hope many listeners share the same goal as me, to be able to play golf with their children for the rest of their lives.

Golf is a sport that is meant to be played on the golf course, so it is time to get out and play more golf! In this episode I will speak about different ways to get your junior on the golf course and tactics to use to make it fun and beneficial for everyone!

It is important that we ask enough questions to our junior golfers to make sure we know when to step in and when to not. Our perception of things as adults from looking from the outside perspective can many times be much different than what the junior golfer feels. In this episode I will share a few examples of this in my personal life and also what I've seen out on the golf course. 

Today I am going to be reading a few quotes from a book given to me from a good friend called "Dad's Playbook" by Tom Limbert. This book is an excellent read as it shares a few short stories and a handful of inspirational quotes from the best coaches in the world! In this episode I am going to relate a few of the quotes to junior golf and hope this inspires you all to be the best you!    Show Notes:  Purchase Dad's Playbook

Congratulations to the 2022 Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler! He has been on a very hot streak recently and we all wondering how he got there! In this episode, I am going to talk about the important things and not so important things to dwell on with junior golfers who have big dreams and goals to once receive the green jacket like Scottie Scheffler. 

Accountability is what can make a family, company or team of junior golfers grow and develop together. Without accountability goals can get lost, relationships can be ruined and success cannot be achieved. In this episode I discuss the roles and accountability roles of coaches, parents and players and how they all tie together. 

Taking breaks in anything have so many benefits to our wellbeing and energy levels. Junior golf breaks fall under the same category! This week I have a week off between semesters and it has given me time to re boost my energy, spend time with family, and reflect on what is going on at our golf academy.  In this episode, I will provide some positive ideas and thoughts onto helping your junior golfer take some breaks if/when needed. 

Allow junior golfers to make their own decisions out on the golf course is essential to their development. In this episode I am going to talk about a few basic tactics you can use to help your junior golfer make better decisions on the course.

The more you do it, the better you get at it. We have all heard that before. To some extent it is true! In this episode I am going to talk about how important repetition is to your junior golfer's development and why cycling the learning curriculum isn't actually all that bad, in-fact, its very normal! 

Have you just been picking up any ol' golf ball for your junior golfer? It might be time to change that! In this episode I will share some important things to look for in golf balls that will help their performance out on the course!    Show Links:  - Taylormade Tour Response - Srixon Q Star Tour - Wilson Staff Duo Pro

Golf is hard. In any sport athletes can have performance anxiety. Golf is no short of that. In this episode I discuss some ways to help junior golfers with performance anxiety and help them through the ups and downs of play. 

Children develop and learn from experiences, environments, and culture. In this episode I will give you a few ideas of things that can help children develop in these areas, related to golf. I will also talk about how important play is and why it is serious business!

In this solo episode, I talk about the power of being positive, not only in golf, but also life! I share a few books, quotes and resources to help you best help your junior golfers in the game!   Show Links: - Positive Coaching Alliance - The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Peale (Book)  - The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday (Book)

Joe Hoblyn, PGA Professional from the UK decided to step away from his coaching career for two years to pursue playing the game competitively. During that journey, I regularly checked in with Joe to learn about how the entire process was going. In this episode, Joe is going to share that story with you. 

In this episode I discuss some of the many traits of super-elite athletes. The point of this episode is not to make you think you need to train one, but to be aware of all the things beyond the golf swing to make them into not only great athletes, but great people!

Are you still trying to perfect your swing? Still trying to shoot a sub 60 round of golf? I hear you, I have big ambitions for my game as well, but should we be chasing perfection? In this episode I am going to discuss why good is great in golf and that is totally fine!  Discussion Topics: - Golf is hard - What kind of goals are you setting? - Golf is not a game of perfect   Show links: - Golf is not a Game of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella

Have you ever had that situation where you are trying to help your junior golfer, but they seem to just keep going back to their ways from before? It seems like a never ending uphill battle. Don't worry you aren't alone!  In this episode I am going to discuss my opinion on this topic and give you ways to help fix it!  Discussion: - Why the problem exists - How to fix it - How we can truly help

Mel Sampat who came on the podcast in Season 2 is back sharing updates on how he is doing, raising two young golfers and also to share ideas on how he tracks progress and keeps score even for young junior golfers. Mel is always very creative in his parenting approach with golf and he has helped me as both a coach and a parent.  Discussion Topic: Should you keep score? How to best keep score for young golfers. How to track scores Suggestions on indoor golf activités Mel's thoughts on taking breaks King Richard the movie Show Links: Peak - Book Recommendation Tally app Airtable app Golf Shot App Eye Coach Training Aid  

Having a growth mindset is a major player in anyone's success in life. But what about beliefs? Well in this episode Dr. Mat Park, Sports Psychologist shares really how important both of those are, and how they go hand in hand!  Dr. Mat grew up playing the game of golf at a very young age and was rank internationally by the age of 14. Like many, he had dreams of playing on the PGA Tour, he worked so hard on perfection that ultimately he ended up walking away from the competitive side of the game.   Although his performance slump ended his golf career, it opened up a new door - an opportunity he gladly accepted because of his own personal struggle. He gave up the pursuit of professional golf, and discovered the field of psychology. Dr. Mat is extremely knowledgeable in golf and psychology and he talks in a way that I think will resonate very well with you all.  Discussion Topics: Developing a junior golfer's growth mindset The difference between mindset and beliefs A junior golfer's confidence How parents and coaches can help Show Links:  Follow Dr. Mat on Instagram @dr.mat_park More resources from Dr. Mat at drmatpark.com  

In this episode I am going to cover a few tips on how to set goals giving you the best way to achieve them in the new year! In one way or another we all have goals. I think the problem most of us run into setting realistic goals and have a plan and process to reach these goals. This will be the final episode of 2021 and Season 2! If you would like in the meantime, please listen back to previous episodes, they will really go a long way in helping out our junior golfers! I hope you all have wonderful holidays and look forward to having you back on the podcast this next year! Thank you so much for tuning in :).

In this episode I discuss some ideas and thoughts I had over the last week on raising good people. I believe the stronger we help our children understand processes and development in life the better they will be in sports including golf, but also in life. I really hope you are able to use the episode as a resource to long term development of your child with a goal in mind to raise them to be good people.

This episode was inspired by a Youtube video I posted a few years ago. Golf is not an easy sport, but I think that it is something, anyone can be good at and more importantly, find a way to enjoy it! In this episode I discuss the key traits that helped me learn Mandarin Chinese and how that will help your junior flourish playing golf! Make sure to share this episode with your juniors as well!  Discussion Topics: Chinese and Golf are Hard! Mistakes and failures are OK Getting out of your comfort zone Immersion Passion, drive and hard work The importance of time

It can be hard designing the right junior golf program as a coach. It can also be hard finding the right junior golf program for your child. In this episode I will discuss things you should be looking to either create as a golf coach or seek out to find as a golf parent in a great junior golf program!   Discussion Topics: Fun Child Friendly Coaching Etiquette and respect for the Game Peer Competition and Camaraderie Family Interaction

As adults we all want what is best for our junior golfers. It is very hard sometimes to understand when help is needed and not. Of course we think we are always helping, but are we? In this episode I share some of my experiences with over coaching and ideas on how to smooth out this ride for the long haul.  Discussion Topics: The pitfalls Some positive ideas Course play Show Links: Vision54

Junior golf tournaments can bring out all kinds of excitement and emotion from everyone involved! In this episode I am going to share a variety of Do's and Don'ts specifically for junior golfers and their parents. Covering many areas from start to finish of tournament play.  Discussion Topics: Signing up for your first tournament Practice Rounds Caddies Post Round Practice Show Links: Vision54 Book: Sport Parent for the Future  

Parenting is not an easy task as you know. If you are looking for more ideas on how to introduce your children to golf, or get them even more excited about the game from a young age then this episode will be great for you! Mel Sampat, father of two young children who play golf, and active listener to the podcast shares his story raising his story raising his children in the game. Mel has so many wonderful ideas on how to keep the game interesting for his children and just some overall great parenting advice we can all take note of. Tune in to the end because you will really like his final words of inspiration! Discussion Topics: How he got his children immersed into golf Do you have to know golf or be good at golf to be a good golf parent? Ideas to play golf at home How to inspire young golfers Long term goals for young children to get out of golf Book recommendations for parents and coaches Show Links: Follow Raina on Instagram How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education US Kids Golf Clubs The Yard Club

Have you ever wondered if or when you should consider introducing mental game training to your junior golfer? In this episode Geoff Greig from Zone Athletic Performance shares a lot of useful and practical information about mental game training for junior golfers!    Discussion Topics: Why mental training is important for juniors Assessing ones mental game The importance of “Opposite Training” Speed training and effort training drills Show Links: GGZAP.com  

To become one's best, it is important that you rewind, and reflect on events and experiences that had happened. In this episode, Neil Plimmer co-founder/owner of JOLF in the UK comes back on the podcast to discuss these exact things with me. If you haven't had the pleasure of listening to any of the previous episodes with Neil on the Raising Golfers Podcast, please tune back to those in the links below.  Discussion Topics: The last six months of golf from our perspective The individual child experience Things we learned from our experiences or mistakes we made Feedback from Neil's golf programs from the students Does better skills = a better experience? Show Links: JOLF The JOLF Man Podcast Episode #10 Include and Involve Rather than Engage and Educate Episode #17 Winning!?!?!? Episode #20 The Power of Environment and Community in Junior Golf Episode #21 Flip The Switch Episode #24 There is Time: Embracing the Process

It is hard to watch our junior golfers feel defeated and upset after a loss in a match or tournament. It may happen time and time again as there is usually only one winner in this sport. Arnold Palmer said it very well “What separates great players from the good ones is not so much ability as brain power and emotional equilibrium.” In this episode I will discuss some ideas I have had about this topic as well as tactics taken from The Positive Coaching Alliance. I hope that this episode inspires junior golfers to get back out there and keep their heads high. I also hope it helps parents and coaches help assist your junior golfer through these times.    Discussion Topics:  When it comes to filling your junior's tank, some things that might help Avoid Comparisons Ep #58 Setting Goals Sportsmanship Having a discussion on what your junior wants out of their golf experience Show Links:  The Positive Coaching Alliance

Have you ever been concerned about teaching your child to play golf and wondered if you might teach them bad habits? Of course we want our children to succeed and try to always do what is best for them. In this episode I discuss what to do when you have this concern.    Discussion Topics: What would be considered bad habits? Look at any swing on the PGA tour, most are different. Are you teaching bad habits or wrong focus points? Encourage vs Discourage. When help is needed and not. Parent's role vs. Coach role Show Links: - Operation 36

Fitness in golf has taken off over the last few years from a professional level all the way to junior golf. George Tate, who has a doctorate in physical therapy and specializes in building more strength, mobility and speed, comes and shares how important this is for junior golfers!    Discussion Topics: George's background in golf The difference between physical therapy and fitness in golf Can Juniors get injured How to get juniors involved in a fitness program How Coaches can start a fitness program How to educate juniors on fitness Why playing multiple sports is so important. Show Links:  - Follow George on Instagram - Follow George's Facebook group - Find a TPI Certified coach near you

Comparisons are ingrained in human nature, we do it everyday in our own lives, at work, at the store, in a restaurant or just scrolling through social media. Golf is no short of that. If you are a coach, parent or player listening, you can all take something away from this episode.

Lisa Cornwell is a former Golf Channel Reporter who has quite the professional career. She grew up and loved golf from an early leading her to be an All-American and Hall of Famer at the University of Arkansas. She has an amazing network of people from the best players in the game to her cousin President Bill Clinton and more! She shares an inspirational story for listeners on what golf taught her and how it lead to her successful professional career! Discussion: (1:51) When Lisa realized playing professional golf wasn't for her. (5:35) How Lisa was introduced to golf. (8:44) How important the role of Lisa's parents was to help her get to her level of golf. (13:37) The burning desire to play golf. (20:00) Who Lisa enjoyed interviewing at the Golf Channel. (24:29) What within golf shaped Lisa's personality to be where she is professionally now. (27:52) Lisa connection with her cousin President Bill Clinton. (32:07) What is next for Lisa. (36:23) Where to follow Lisa on Social Media. (37:04) Final words of inspiration for raising golfers. Show Links: Follow Lisa Cornwell on Twitter

Why isn't my junior improving?  When will they get better?  How will they improve?  What are you missing that could help them progress? These are questions, us as adults have all the time. In this episode it will just be me, Travis Howser, going over why the progression may not be as fast as we would hope, and what we can do to help! Discussion: (1:06) The burning desire (6:39) The importance of practice and play (8:05) Children are growing (8:59) Rating a golf swing instead of how they play (10:50) The power of playing different sports (13:45) When don't know when it may all click

Have you ever wondered how to get your children more into golf? Having them fully immersed into anything will really spark their interest levels. This immersion has to be not only out on the golf course but also at home. Mom's play a huge role in children's development and golf is just one small part of that. In this episode my wife, Bianka shares her experiences raising our two little golfers. She talks about what she thinks golf will provide for our boys and what she has began to create for young learners to be more educated and immersed in golf both on and off the golf course!   Discussion: (1:34) How Bianka was introduced to golf (2:47) Why did you let me coach you? (4:12) Why do you like golf for our children? (5:37) Why Bianka likes golf for our kids (6:27) Bianka's goal for our children in golf (7:52) What has made the golf experience for our oldest son so good up to this point? (12:30) Early Learner Golf Riddles (13:44) Example of the golf riddles (14:42) How to find out more about Little Riddles (15:57) Final words of inspiration for raising golfers Show Links: Follow My Little Riddlez on IG Email Bianka for a FREE sample of her riddlez: mylittleriddlez@gmail.com  

Does your junior golfer have the burning desire to play the game? If not how to do help get them there? If they have the burning desire for the game now, how can you help maintain that desire so that it doesn't burn out?  In this episode we have PGA Master Professional Dave Malone coming back on the podcast to discuss this topic which he brought to me attention. I think it is easy to see if a junior has interest or no interest but how deep is it? In this episode we are going to discuss all these things and share some stories from our experience!  Discussion: (2:10) The difference between a mild desire and burning desire (4:00) Why the gauge of desire may not be so accurate coming from parents (11:15) How parents can help their children go from mild desire to burning desire (26:04) Why over teaching juniors can be a problem (30:21) Operation 36 Developmental Program (33:07) Dave's personal experiences with desire (36:06) Final words of inspiration for raising golfers with burning desire

Have you ever wondered if what you are teaching your junior golfer is actually working or clicking with them? I certainly have for the last 10 years and still constantly trying to improve in this area. Today in this episode I will discuss different types of learning and how junior golfers are going to best learn new skills and why they may not learn how us adults learn new things.  Discussion: (2:12) The four types of learning (3:46) My observation of children going from Unconscious incompetence to Unconscious Competence. (5:31) How children learn (12:56) Learning is not linear (13:52) See how you can help your junior golfer learn best

This is the one year anniversary episode of the podcast! I didn't give up on this podcast and don't want you giving up on your child playing golf! There are going to be a lot of ups and downs along the journey and many times either you or your child will consider giving up, but I hope you decide otherwise. In this episode I am going to go over the best wisdom shared from guests over the last year and share some real life experiences on why not giving up, opens many doors to opportunity!  

How to build confidence in your junior golfer? This is an art in its self and feel that it takes a whole team to make this happen! In this episode, Dave Malone, PGA Master Professional, and I discuss this topic in depth where we cover a variety of areas we feel are needed to help your junior golfer. We will discuss the role of the parent, coach and player and what things we all need to do to help build their confidence as high as possible.  Discussion: (3:59) Parents Role to boost the confidence in golfers 11 and under (9:42) Questions to ask children after playing a round of golf (11:19) How to help the child benefit from failure (15:26) A coaches role (21:16) What to praise children for in golf (28:46) How junior golfers can build up their own confidence (34:41) Dave's experience raising his son with confidence to be a D1 Golfer (41:52) How to follow Dave and find his book “Coaching Parents For The New Generation of Junior Golfers.” Links: www.pinelakejuniorgolfacademy.com  davemalonepga1@gmail.com